If you're curious about Todd Palin, you're probably wondering how someone who lived in the public eye for a short time became such a quietly fascinating figure. Maybe you heard his name during the 2008 U.S. election cycle when his wife, Sarah Palin, was chosen as the Republican vice presidential candidate. Or perhaps you came across recent headlines about his personal life or past career in Alaska. Either way, you're not alone—many people still search for "Todd Palin" today, whether out of curiosity, nostalgia, or a deeper interest in his personal story.

While Sarah Palin became a well-known political figure, Todd has always lived more behind the scenes. He’s had a career in oil, fishing, and even snowmachine racing, but his marriage to Sarah—and its eventual end—has kept him in the public conversation long after their time in Alaska’s spotlight.

So why does Todd Palin still matter? Because his story is more than just a footnote to a political moment—it’s a tale of personal choices, career challenges, and family dynamics that continue to unfold. In this article, we’ll explore who Todd Palin really is, what happened during his marriage to Sarah, and what he’s up to now.

• Gabe Watson

Table of Contents

1. Biography of Todd Palin
2. Early Life and Career
3. Marriage to Sarah Palin and Public Life
4. The Divorce: What Happened?
5. Life After the Divorce
6. Frequently Asked Questions About Todd Palin

Who Is Todd Palin? A Brief Biography

Early Life and Career of Todd Palin

Todd Palin was born in Dillingham, a small town in southwest Alaska known for its fishing industry. From a young age, he was immersed in Alaskan life—fishing, hunting, and riding snowmachines. He worked in the oil industry for many years, operating production equipment in remote areas. That job gave him the technical skills and outdoor experience that would shape much of his adult life.

He was also a competitive snowmachine racer, which earned him some local fame. His passion for the outdoors made him a natural fit for life in Alaska, and many people saw him as a typical Alaskan guy—rugged, practical, and hardworking. Before his wife entered politics, Todd lived a relatively quiet life, focused on his family and job.

So it came as a surprise to many when Sarah Palin was tapped as John McCain’s running mate in 2008. Overnight, Todd and the entire Palin family were thrust into the national spotlight, something they weren’t really prepared for.

• David Muir Wife

Marriage to Sarah Palin and Life in the Public Eye

Todd and Sarah Palin married in 1988 and raised five children together. Their lives changed dramatically in 2006 when Sarah became the first female governor of Alaska. As the First Gentleman, Todd supported his wife publicly but stayed out of the political spotlight. He wasn’t one for speeches or interviews, and many people found that refreshing in a time when political spouses often become media figures in their own right.

During the 2008 presidential campaign, Todd made a few appearances but remained mostly out of sight. He was known for his love of hunting, fishing, and snowmachine racing, which made him relatable to many Alaskans and rural voters across the country. He didn’t play a major role in the campaign, but his presence was a reminder of Sarah’s roots and the kind of life she came from.

Still, the pressure of being in the public eye took its toll. Sarah became a polarizing figure, and the family was constantly under scrutiny. Todd, who had never sought the spotlight, seemed to grow more distant from it over time. By the time Sarah left politics and returned to a more private life, the couple had already begun to drift apart.

The Divorce: What Happened?

In 2019, Todd filed for divorce after 31 years of marriage. The filing cited “incompatibility of temperament,” which is a legal way of saying they had grown apart and no longer got along. While the couple didn’t publicly air their personal issues, some reports suggested that Sarah had been the one who initiated the separation. According to sources, she told friends she felt “like she got shot” when she found out Todd had filed for divorce just a week after their 31st wedding anniversary.

That moment marked the end of a long chapter in both their lives. Though they had five children together, including Trig, who has special needs, the couple had clearly gone through a difficult time. Todd’s decision to file first surprised many, given that he had always been the more private of the two.

The divorce itself was handled quietly, without the kind of drama that often accompanies celebrity splits. Both Todd and Sarah have spoken little about it in public, though they’ve continued to share family events and support their children when necessary. It seems like they’ve chosen to move forward with as much dignity and privacy as possible.

Life After the Divorce: What Is Todd Palin Doing Now?

Since the divorce, Todd has largely kept a low profile. He has remained in Alaska, where he continues to live a quiet life focused on family and personal interests. Reports indicate he still works in the oil industry and is involved in fishing and snowmachine racing when he can.

Despite the end of his marriage, Todd has maintained a relationship with his children and even attended some family events with Sarah. In 2023, for example, the couple was seen together at their daughter Willow’s wedding, showing that they can still come together for the sake of their family.

So, while Todd may not be in the headlines often, he’s still very much a part of the story that began back in 2006 when Sarah became governor. His journey from First Gentleman to private citizen is one of quiet resilience and personal growth. And while the media might not follow him as closely anymore, many people are still curious about where he is today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Todd Palin

Why did Todd and Sarah Palin divorce?

Their divorce filing cited “incompatibility of temperament,” which means they had grown apart and could no longer maintain their relationship. Neither side gave detailed public explanations, but some reports suggest that the pressures of public life and personal differences played a role.

What is Todd Palin doing now?

Todd lives in Alaska and continues to work in the oil industry. He’s also involved in commercial fishing and snowmachine racing. He keeps a low profile but remains active in his children’s lives.

Are Todd and Sarah Palin still friends?

While they are no longer married, they have shown they can coexist peacefully for the sake of their children. For example, they both attended their daughter Willow’s wedding in 2023, indicating that they’ve managed to find a level of mutual respect and cooperation.

So if you're wondering whether they’ve found a way to move forward without drama, the answer seems to be yes—at least to a degree. Neither has spoken negatively about the other in public, and they appear to have chosen a path of quiet resolution rather than ongoing conflict.